2026 NAVHDA International Annual Meeting Report by Patti Carter, President

NAVHDA International Annual Meeting Report

by Patti Carter, President

2026 NAVHDA Annual Meeting

San Antonio, Texas

January 30,31, 2026

First, I want to thank the members of the Yankee Chapter for allowing me to be your Delegate! Next year’s Annual Meeting is hosted by the Finger Lakes Chapter, a mere 6 hours away. 14 Yankees went to San Antonio,Texas, let’s at least double that in 2027!

Come to Texas in January, they said! Take a break from the cold, they said! Well, not so much! New England’s weather followed us South. Sorry Texas! Winter jackets and hats were a must!

Fourteen Yankee Chapter members headed from New England and landed in Texas on Thursday afternoon. We gathered at the historic Hotel Menger Bar and began a great weekend of making new friends and renewing old friendships. The Yankee Crew headed down the famous River Walk to our dinner location, lead by PJ. Somehow our fun loving crew of 14 nearly doubled in size. Guess it’s what we do best, smile, welcome all and have fun!

Friday morning began with a few seminars and the Lady Gang lunch at noon. Nancy, Misi, Jacquie, Julie, Alli, and I attended.

Delegate’s Meeting

There were 37 Delegates in attendance. The Meeting was open to all. I believe that 37 is a record for Delegates attending an International Meeting. First order of business was to record Chapters represented. Discussion of the two motions followed.

#1 Wisconsin Chapter

Motion: All Active Military members shall receive a free NAVHDA International Membership while serving their Country in the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force or Coast Guard. Once they retire from military duty they will need to pay for membership.

Motion was amended by Wisconsin Chapter to include CANADA’s armed forces. Motion was discussed with Delegates and members in attendance. Motion was voted on by Delegates present. Motion failed, 23 to 11.

#2 Yankee Chapter – revised motion

Motion: The current structure of the Conservation Partnership should be revised to direct NAVHDA donations or support towards programs within those conservation organizations that can generally benefit as many NAVHDA members as possible. In addition, NAVHDA members will provide input on the structure of the Conservation Partnerships through an appointed committee from different geographic regions across the United States and Canada.

Motion was voted on by Delegates present. Motion passed, 23 to 11. At the General Membership meeting it was announced that the EC did not approve Yankee Chapter’s motion. The topic of Conservation was discussed.

Business Meeting

*Keeping with tradition, the General Business Meeting starts with a Moment of Silence for those members who passed in 2025.

*Announcement of new Senior Judges and Judges was next! At this point, I am in a coma, everything is crossed! Tyler Bruce and Jason Carter, now Senior Judges Melissa Knutson and PJ Rose, now Judges Pretty darn proud of our chapter at this moment!

Melissa Knutson was also awarded a Natural Ability Breeders Award. Go Yankee!

Officer reports: NAVHDA Officers and Directors introduced themselves.

President, Jake Bartells

Jake opened with a thank you to our Sponsors, Purina, Garmin, Ruff Tuff, Ugly Dog Hunting, Standing Stone, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Ruffed Grouse Society and the American Woodcock Society. He welcomed those in attendance.

Treasurer, Rick Holt

Membership and Registry numbers are down and expenses, such as the Portal and Insurance are up. Youth Fund is holding its own. Check off box at time of membership renewal is helping with Youth Fund. Rick Holt stated “the Youth Fund is so much more than money!” More details on NAVHDA’s financial status are available on our Portal!

Director of Promotion, Jason Rice

We currently have 116 Chapters w one pending. We retained 60% of membership last year which is a slight improvement. Jason is going to work on Best Practices and better visibility to increase membership. Watch for “My NAVHDA” videos.

Registrar, Charles Coulter

The Canadian Kennel Club is very close to recognizing NAVHDA’s Pedigree. Litter numbers and Registered dogs is down. Registry is working on forming a Breeders Support Committee.

Director of Judging, Bridget Nelson

Email Blasts will continue. Wants better education and to better pull people together. Aims and Rules Clinics, becoming more popular. Wants to grow the Clinic Leader Program. Wants to develop an Invitational Judge Committee Wants from membership/judges? Online seminar? Regional seminars?

Director of Testing, Karen Krause

Zia Chapter Invitational, Sept 24-27, 202Missouri Invitational, Sept 8-12, 2027 Overall Test numbers are on a decline NA 1766 UT 668 GDT 370 (in 2024 118 UPT) Average age of a GDT dog is 3 yrs 5 months.

Director of Publication, Erin Kalpin

She plans to update the VHD with a new look. Considering every other month vs monthly. She feels physical copy important Mary Burpee needs cover photos and stories. Cost per year is $186,000 Photo contest annually.

All these Officers and Directors are forming Committees to support their missions. Please step up!

Proudly,

Patti Carter, Yankee Chapter President and Delegate